PART I
Instructions: Shade the letter of the correct answer on the machine scorable answer sheet
provided.
SECTION A
TOTAL VALUE: 42%
Instructions: Do ALL of the Questions in Part I, Section A.
1.
Which illustrates landforms produced by tensional forces?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
2.
Which type of volcano has a symmetrical shape, steep sides, and a large crater?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
3.
W
X
Y
Z
ash & cinder
composite
lava domes
shield
According to the map, which phrase best describes the location of volcanoes on Earth’s
surface?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
along the edge of plate boundaries
along the southern edges of continents
in the middle of continents
in the middle of oceans
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
4.
What type of physical weathering has occurred in the graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
5.
exfoliation
frost fracture
oxidation
solution
What stage in the life cycle of the river is described below?
small in size, fast flowing, low volume, v-shaped and straight, few tributaries
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
6.
According to the diagram of a glaciated region in which direction did the glacier move?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
7.
late maturity
maturity
old age
youth
east to west
north to south
south to north
west to east
Which term refers to a ridge of sand that runs away from the coastline, was developed by
a longshore drift, and has an edge that may be curved?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
barchan
bay bar
spit
tombolo
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 2 of 30
8.
Which process and feature are illustrated at X?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
9.
What fault is the result of compressional forces in the graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
10.
orbit
revolution
rotation
seasons
Which best describes the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
12.
normal
overthrust
reverse
transform
What term refers to Earth spinning on its axis?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
11.
compressional and anticline
compressional and syncline
tensional and anticline
tensional and syncline
equal length of day and night
noontime sun directly overhead at its farthest point north
noontime sun directly overhead at its farthest point south
occurs twice a year
What two factors help explain why Earth experiences seasons?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
distance of the sun from Earth, and Polar Ice Caps
revolution of Earth around the sun, and the sun’s distance from Earth
the Polar Ice Caps, and the tilt of Earth’s axis
tilt of Earth’s axis, and the revolution of Earth around the sun
Page 3 of 30
World Geography 3202 June 2005
13.
Which letter indicates the leeward side of the mountain, in the graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
14.
Which area has the greatest annual temperature range in the graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
15.
W
X
Y
Z
W
X
Y
Z
Which phrase describes the climate in the climograph?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
cool summer temperatures, dry winters
cool summer temperatures, wet winters
hot summer temperatures, dry winters
hot summer temperatures, wet winters
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 4 of 30
16.
17.
How does the Coriolis Force deflect wind in each hemisphere?
Northern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere
(A)
left
left
(B)
left
right
(C)
right
left
(D)
right
right
Which set of weather conditions would most negatively impact an alpine ski resort?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
18.
Which phrase describes the relationship between elevation and temperature?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
19.
As height above sea level decreases, temperature decreases.
As height above sea level decreases, temperature stabilizes.
As height above sea level increases, temperature decreases.
As height above sea level increases, temperature stabilizes.
Which term refers to the increase in the accumulation of toxins in the higher trophic level
of the food chain?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
20.
- 25 OC, moderate breeze, no precipitation
- 10 OC, no wind, light snow
0 OC, moderate breeze, flurries
+ 5 OC, high winds, rain
biological amplification
climax vegetation
energy transfer
pollution transfer
Which world ecosystem is defined as having between 200 - 330 cm annual precipitation
and annual temperature between 2 - 20o C ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
desert
taiga
temperate forest
temperate rainforest
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
21.
According to the graph below, which soil texture would be least suitable for farming?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
22.
Why are there fewer organisms at the highest trophic level in the graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
23.
There are fewer producers at the higher trophic levels.
There are more producers at the higher trophic levels.
There is a decrease in energy from one trophic level to the next.
There is an increase in energy from one trophic level to the next.
Which would be considered a process in an agribusiness industry?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
24.
20% sand, 30% clay, 50% silt
30% sand, 60% clay, 10% silt
33% sand, 33% clay, 34 silt
40% sand, 30% clay, 30% silt
capital
climate
technology
transportation
Which is a human input into a farming operation?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
climate
labour
seeds
soil
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 6 of 30
25.
Which physical factor must be considered when making a decision to recover offshore
oil?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
26.
job descriptions
shift rotations
skilled labour
weather conditions
Which type of drilling technology would be used in the following situation?
To drill for oil a company must face high seas, ice conditions, in water depths
greater than 2500m.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
27.
jack-up
semi-submersible anchored
semi-submersible dynamically positioned
submersible
Which type of farming operation is described below?
The growing of rice on a small plot of land in order to feed family members only.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
28.
Which form of agriculture is usually found in areas with low land value where high
revenues are unimportant?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
29.
agribusiness
commercial
extensive
subsistence
agribusiness
extensive
intensive
shifting
Which farming method is described below?
A farmer clears the land by cutting all the undergrowth and burning the remaining
vegetation before planting crops in the ashes. After several years, this process is
duplicated elsewhere.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
agribusiness
commercial
nomadic herding
shifting cultivation
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
30.
31.
Based on the criteria below, which farming operation best represents intensive
agriculture?
Operation
Labour
Capital
Yield
(A)
1
low
high
high
(B)
2
high
high
high
(C)
3
high
high
low
(D)
4
low
low
low
According to the diagram below, which source of fish experienced the smallest amount
of increase from 1995-1999?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
32
Which statement best describes the impact of freezer factory trawlers on the ocean
environment?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
33.
decrease in fishing activity during spawning season
decrease in the fish stocks
increase in the fish stocks
increase in the number of inshore fishermen
Which is a natural input in an automobile manufacturing plant?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
34.
inland aquaculture
inland capture
marine aquaculture
marine capture
capital
labour
land
machinery
Which industry best represents a conditioning process?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
automobile assembly line
computer assembly industry
oil refinery
sawmill
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 8 of 30
35.
The manufacturing of which commodity is the best example of a capital intensive
activity?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
36.
Which industry has outputs which are not large in size and is developed for the general
consumer?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
37.
38.
capital intensive
heavy
labour intensive
light
Which best describes a pulp and paper industry?
Final Product
Industry
(A)
increases in weight
near market
(B)
increases in weight
near resource
(C)
decreases in weight
near market
(D)
decreases in weight
near resource
According to the graphic below, which region is the most highly industrialized?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
39.
automobile
clothing
jewelry
shoe
Australia
Eastern Asia
Eastern North America
Western North America
Which economic activity is service based but entails the use of high technology?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
primary
secondary
tertiary
quaternary
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
40.
According to the table below, which country is the least economically developed?
% Employed by Sector
41.
42.
Country
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
(A)
1
23.3
20.5
56.2
(B)
2
75.0
18.9
6.1
(C)
3
3.4
22.0
74.6
(D)
4
46.0
23.0
31.0
According to the table below, which country is the most developed?
Country
PerCapita GNP
Life Expectancy
(years)
Persons per
Telephone
(A)
1
600
49.3
825.4
(B)
2
18 300
77.0
2.1
(C)
3
18 700
78.2
3.5
(D)
4
900
42.2
10.1
Telebus software development is interested in locating in Laos, Southeast Asia. Which
factor would influence Telebus locating in this country?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
availability of suitable land
literacy rates
wages
warm climate
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 10 of 30
SECTION B
TOTAL VALUE: 8%
Do only ONE of the Units in Section B
Either:
Or:
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth (43 - 50)
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization (51 - 58)
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
43.
44.
45.
Which is used to calculate population density?
(A)
emigration
population
(B)
households
population
(C)
population
immigration
(D)
population
land area
Which trend is illustrated in the table below?
Year
Population
(millions)
1971
3.5
1981
4.5
1991
5.0
Population
Growth Rate
(A)
decreasing
decreasing
(B)
decreasing
increasing
(C)
increasing
decreasing
(D)
increasing
increasing
Which best describes the population pyramid diagram below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
contracting
decreasing
expanding
stationary
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
46.
What is defined as, “the very young and older age group not employed who are supported
by each set of 100 working age people” ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
47.
Which is used to calculate actual population change?
(A)
birth rate - death rate
(B)
(births + immigrants) - (deaths + emigrants)
(C)
(D)
48.
% of working age people
population change
original population
x 100
x 100
civil war at the origin
distance of travel from origin
higher standard of living at destination
job opportunities at destination
Which best defines census?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
50.
% population under 15 years + % population over 64 years
Which is the best example of an intervening obstacle that may influence an individual’s
decision to migrate?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
49.
actual change
dependency ratio
natural change
population growth rate
population data collected by a government
formula used to calculate population dynamics
poll conducted by a political party
projection of migration trends
Which refers to the movement of people out of a country or region?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
emigration
immigration
pull factor
push factor
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 12 of 30
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
Note: If you are completing this unit, please ensure you shade answers for 51 - 58
51.
Which contributes to a high density urban area?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
52.
Which best describes the location of buildings in a community with a compact settlement
shape?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
53.
the distinct features or qualities of a general geographic area
the distinct features or qualities of a specific location
the setting or position of a city as it relates to the capital city
the setting or position of a city as it relates to other places
Which best defines a metropolis?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
56.
peninsula
river confluence
river meander
sheltered harbour
Which statement best describes the term “site”?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
55.
close together
located on a major transportation route
scattered
spread out in small pockets
Which physical feature accounts for the shape of the settlement pattern shown in the
graphic below?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
54.
ineffective transportation linkages
relatively low cost residential housing
significant employment opportunities
spreading of businesses throughout an area
capital city of a country
city resulting from the merging of multiple cities
dominant center of a region in terms of finance and economics
largest city in a country
Which is the best example of commercial land use?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
ball field
shopping mall
single-family home
warehouse
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
57.
According to the map, which situation factor restricts Perth’s growth in size?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
58.
coastal plateau location
cold wet climate
located at the confluence site of a major transportation route
proximity to Great Victoria Desert and distance from capital city
Which best describes a peninsula site?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
access to the ocean on three sides and good defense capabilities
located on a hilltop which provides easy defense
provides fresh water, river access, and natural defense
where two rivers merge, providing wide-ranging access to interior regions
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 14 of 30
PART II
SECTION A
TOTAL VALUE: 8%
Instructions: Do ALL Questions in Part II, Section A.
Value
4
59.
Based on the selections below and your geographical knowledge, explain why
Florida is not affected by environmental risks the same way Haiti is affected.
Headline 1
Florida was hit by four hurricanes in a single season, a two-month barrage of
storms that triggered the nation's biggest natural-disaster response.
The hurricanes took 117 lives in Florida, destroyed more than 25 000 homes and
heavily damaged 4600 more. Damage was estimated at $42 billion, surpassing the
$34.9 billion caused in 1992 by Hurricane Andrew, the nation's single most costly
storm.
Headline 2
The Haitian community of Fort Pierce is facing similar pain and frustration. Parts
of Haiti were devastated by Hurricane Jeanne, where about 2000 people were
killed, and the needs there are even greater.
"The people in Haiti are expecting help, but people here can't send money because
they don't have jobs," says the Rev. Ducasse Francois of Notre Dame Church.
"The people here are not only worried about themselves but they worry very much
about their families there. It makes things even harder."
In Haiti, where thousands were swept away by floods unleashed by Tropical Storm
Jeanne, and the Eastern Caribbean island of Grenada, where 90 percent of all
buildings were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, recovery has been
painfully slow.
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
Value
4
60.
Explain two strategies for a sustainable fishery.
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 16 of 30
SECTION B
Do only ONE of the Units in Section B
Either:
Or:
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
Value
4
61.
Choose a country and using the demographic transition model, classify that
country, giving two reasons to support your answer.
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
Value
4
62.
Urban Centre A is a city in a developed country and Urban Centre B is a city in a
developing country. Both are experiencing different regional growth rates.
Explain two reasons that would account for this difference.
Page 17 of 30
World Geography 3202 June 2005
PART II, SECTION C
Instructions: Part II, Section C consists of two case studies. Do ALL questions in this section.
Case Study1
Units 1 - 5
The Nile Basin
A Unique and Shared Resource
The Nile is one of the world’s great rivers. Throughout history, this
unique waterway has nourished livelihoods, supported a vast array
of ecosystems, and played a central role in a rich diversity of
cultures. As the world’s longest river, the Nile traverses almost
6700 kilometers from its major source of Lake Victoria to its delta
in Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea.
Ten countries share the Nile. Its river basin serves as home to an
estimated 160 million people. Its ecological system is unique,
hosting a number of varied landscapes, with high mountains, tropical
forests, lakes, savannas, wetlands, arid areas, and deserts.
World’s Population Concentration
The Nile flows from south to north and is formed by three major
tributaries: the White Nile, the Blue Nile, and the Atbara. For
centuries farmers in the basin have depended on the water of the
Nile for their crops. The Nile Valley and the Nile Delta rank among
the world’s most fertile farming areas. The fertility and productivity
of the land adjacent to the Nile depends largely on the silt deposited
by floodwaters. Intensive agriculture is practiced by the majority of
the peasant population. As the flooding recedes, sowing and
plowing begin using primitive equipment.
Commercial industry is a large cause of pollution along the Nile. Industries along the banks have
trapped priceless soil beneath kilometers of concrete. Discharges of toxic chemicals from factories
into the delta and other parts of the river have threatened the area and the supply of fresh drinking
water. Ground water is declining in quality from industrial abuse.
There has been a long history of disputes among the nations who share the Nile. These countries
are now forming the International Nile Basin Association to control the usage of the resource.
Historically Egypt has had the most control over the Nile but now the other countries are fighting
to have more usage rights so that it would increase their country’s standard of living.
An overview of critical information on the Nile Basin Countries
Population
(millions)
Country
1998
Population in
basin
(% of total
pop.)
2030
1999
GNP /
Capita
US $
1998
Foreign
Aid - as a
% of
GDP
% Labor force
in farming
1970
1990
Life
expect
(years).
Infant
Mortality
Rate
(per 1000)
%
Contribution
of farming
to GDP
1990-95
1999
1990 - 95
1991-93
Burundi
7
12
52
140
23
94
92
48
102
54
Egypt
61
92
95
1290
10
52
40
62
67
17
Ethiopia
61
114
39
100
n/a
91
86
47
119
50
Rwanda
8
15
80
230
19
94
92
46
110
47
Sudan
28
50
85
290
n/a
77
69
52
78
39
Uganda
21
41
100
310
17
90
85
42
115
45
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 18 of 30
Despite the extraordinary natural provisions of the Nile Basin, its people face considerable
challenges. Today, the basin is characterized by poverty, instability, rapid population growth,
environmental degradation and frequent natural disasters. Some of the countries in this area are
among the poorest in the world. Population is expected to double placing additional strain on scarce
water and other natural resources. Cooperative development of the rivers’ resources hold significant
opportunities for maximizing benefits for all countries.
For several thousand years, the people who lived along the Nile measured the year by the river’s
cycle. Each spring water rose above its banks and flooded the lowlands. With the floods came rich
sediments and soils filled with nutrients which enhanced farming. The construction of dams on the
Nile, particularly the Aswan High Dam, transformed the mighty river into a large and predictable
irrigation ditch. Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake, has enabled planned use of the Nile
regardless of the amount of rainfall the area receives. The dam produced hydroelectricity, helped
control floods and ensured a steady supply of water throughout the year.
Along with the benefits of
the Aswan High Dam,
however, came several
costs. Cultural groups
had to abandon their
homes when the land was
flooded leaving behind
ancient sites and
monuments. In addition,
much of the now-irrigated
farmland suffers from
salinization - a buildup of
salt. The dam also traps the Nile’s rich loads of sediment from going downstream causing the
farmers to rely on expensive manufactured fertilizers. Other changes caused by the dam includes
the demise of industries such as the brick-making and fishing. Nutrients in the sediments behind
the dam caused increased growth in aquatic weeds and disease-causing microorganisms. The
decrease in silt concentration downstream on the delta has had several severe effects. Coastal
erosion is very active on the delta. As the land gradient at the delta area is very low, the global rise
of sea level, caused by global warming, will aggravate the problem.
In little more than a century, human societies have so altered rivers that they are no longer
adequately performing many of their evolutionary roles or delivering many of the ecological services
on which human economies have come to depend. The Nile is one such river.
Page 19 of 30
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Value
4
63.
With reference to the case study and your geographical knowledge, describe two
effects chemical fertilizer use may have on the Nile ecosystem.
Value
4
64.
With reference to the case study and your geographical knowledge, aside from the
chemical fertilizers, describe the short and long-term impacts the Aswan High Dam
has had on the area.
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 20 of 30
Value
6
65.
“The people of the Nile River Basin do not enjoy a high standard of living.” With
reference to the case study and your geographical knowledge, what social and
economic changes could a member of the International Nile Basin Association make
to improve the situation of these countries?
Page 21 of 30
World Geography 3202 June 2005
CASE STUDY 2
Units 1 - 5
Deforestation: The Unkindest Cut
The Earth is made up of many
different ecosystems, but none
more spectacular and lifesustaining than the forests. We
depend on the world's forests to
regulate climate, clean air and
water, conserve precious soil
and provide habitat to much of
the planet's wildlife.
Forests of all types are giving way to population
pressures, causing irreversible damage to an integral
part of our biosphere. Of the approximately 6 750 000
square miles of lush forest canopy that once covered
the planet, only 40 percent remains.
Trouble in the Tropics
Of primary concern is the loss of Earth's tropical
rainforests. The effects of rainforest destruction
are felt by every community in the world.
Although tropical rainforests cover less than seven
percent of the world's land surface, they are home
to more than half the species of all living things.
Rainforests are a treasure house of foods,
medicines and other resources we have only begun
to discover. Less than one percent of rainforest
species have been studied for their potential
usefulness.
Tragically, 100 acres of tropical rainforest are destroyed every minute. The World Resources
Institute estimates that the planet loses 51 million acres of rainforest every year to agriculture,
ranching and timbering in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Of the
20 million square kilometres of rainforest that once circled the globe, fewer than 8 million square
kilometres remain, and these are being destroyed at an ever-increasing rate.
A Deep-Rooted Problem
What drives humans to destroy this precious ecosystem? The causes which are varied and often
interconnected include:
(i)
A lack of knowledge regarding the rainforest
Brazil is a case in point. In 1969, Brazil enacted a National Integration Program with the goal of
populating Amazonia, a remote inland region of the rainforest, with thousands of landless and
unemployed people to engage in agriculture. Another goal of the program was to encourage
wealthy investors to clear forest land for raising cattle for export. The program proved a disaster
because the project developers failed to realize the richness of the once-vast Amazon rainforest
is in its trees and not its soil. Land cleared by slash and burn techniques will support a farmer for
a year or two before the soil erodes and the farmer is forced to relocate and continue this
destructive process.
World Geography 3202 June 2005
Page 22 of 30
(ii)
The need for firewood
Nearly half of the world's population depend on wood for fuel to cook and heat their homes. It is
estimated that almost 100 million people are unable to meet their minimum fuel needs. The
endless search for wood dominates the lives of millions of women and children, especially in
Asia and Africa, who spend anywhere from 100 to 300 days each year looking for firewood.
Timber harvesting
Tropical forests provide about one fifth of all the wood used worldwide in industry, and that
share is expected to grow as the world's population continues to increase. In the process of
harvesting timber, industries build roads to facilitate retrieval of the wood deeper in the
rainforest. These roads open once-impenetrable forests to exploitation by miners, hunters,
ranchers and farmers.
American Deforestation
While rainforest destruction is a globally significant issue, the cutting down of "old-growth
forests" has developed into a national controversy. Old-growth refers to native, or "virgin
forest", land which has never been logged. At one time, old growth covered some 15 million
acres in the American Pacific Northwest. Some areas included trees ten feet wide, 275 feet tall,
and 1220 years old. As a result of their size and bulk, old growth trees represent valuable lumber
to loggers. During the past century, some 12 million acres have been cleared. Less than 5 percent
of the U.S. original, virgin forests remain today.
As the U.S. population increases, so does the demand for lumber. Each year, each person in the
US uses in wood and paper products the equivalent of one 18-inch wide, 100-foot tall tree.
Currently, 80 percent of the remaining old-growth forests are slated for logging. This alarms
environmentalists who see these forests as a biologically rich area, valuable to both the country
and planet. Of particular concern is the logging practice known as clear cutting and its related
environmental consequences.
After the Fall
Both tropical and old-growth forests are rapidly disappearing because they are being logged and
burned faster than they are being replenished. Many of the effects of deforestation are the same
for both tropical and old-growth forests. One of the catastrophic consequences of continued
deforestation is mass species extinction, especially in the rainforests, home to more than
80 million species.
Additionally, deforestation causes forests to lose their mediating effects on rainfall, resulting
locally in erosion, drought and flooding. Globally, deforestation affects the world's climate. A
broad uprising of air follows the rainforest around the equator, driven, in part, by heat absorbed
by tropical forests. This massive uprising helps drive the circulation patterns of the entire global
atmosphere. Tropical deforestation can disrupt this process, resulting in reduced rainfall and
altered weather conditions over a large portion of the globe.
All deforestation adds to the atmospheric pool of rising carbon dioxide emissions, hastening the
onset of global warming. An intact forest naturally removes carbon dioxide from the air and
stores it through the process of photosynthesis. When trees are cut down, this carbon dioxide is
released into the atmosphere.
Thus, while cutting of trees is a local activity, the consequences can be far reaching.
Global Warming Worst in Arctic
Major Findings of Arctic Impact Report
“The Inuk hunter who falls through the
depleting ice is connected to trees cut in
the tropical rainforest.”
The Telegram, Nov. 15, 2004
•
•
The treeline will move northward.
Thawing permafrost will damage northern
infrastructure.
The Telegram, Nov. 15, 2004
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
Value
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66.
Using the case study and your geographical knowledge, explain the climatic
conditions that produce tropical rainforests.
Value
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67.
Using the case study and your geographical knowledge, describe two strategies
for sustainable management of the world’s forests.
World Geography 3202 June 2005
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Value
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68.
As an environmentalist concerned about the disappearance of the rainforest, you
want to educate foresters, who are currently clear-cutting, about other timber
harvesting techniques. Suggest an alternate method of harvesting and defend the
practice by comparing the two techniques from an environmentalist view.
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
SECTION D
Do only ONE of the Units in Section D
Either:
Or:
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
CASE STUDY 3
Mexico City: Urban Haven or Monster
It is anticipated that by the year 2030 more than 60% of the world’s population will live in cities.
Most of this growth will take place in less developed countries. In recent decades, Mexico City
has been an example of phenomenal urban growth.
Growth of Urban Centres, 1950–2015
Source: United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects, The 1999 Revision.
Mexico City grew very rapidly between 1950 and 1980 with an average annual growth rate of 4.2
percent. Although this rate has recently declined to approximately 1% because of a government
population control policy, Mexico City currently contains more than 17 million people.
The city continues to grow because of natural increase but most of its growth is caused by rural
to urban migration. Presently, over one-third of the city’s population is comprised of migrants.
Some leave rural areas because of a lack of arable land, land deterioration and a diminishing
amount of land per farmer. Many other non-agricultural workers, lacking skills and education,
move in search of a better life. While most migrants do not view the city as an urban monster, a
city with a population density of 6600 persons per square kilometer presents many challenges.
City
1997 Population
(millions)
Mexico City
17.7
Guadalajara
4
Monterrey
World Geography 3202 June 2005
3.3
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SLUMS
Housing standards within the Federal District of Mexico City are high by international standards
where only the upper and middle classes can afford land. However, on the edge of the
metropolis extreme poverty exists where the poor have no choice but to rent or build a house.
Substandard shelters are erected from cardboard, sheet material or any other available waste
product. A typical dwelling contains a small, single room with one or two beds shared by all
members of the family. These facilities may have a gas or petroleum stove while some are
fortunate to have a television. In many areas a few public water taps are available. Public
sanitation and drainage are provided to some of the people, but the vast majority uses the bottom
of the gully. A lack of electricity is common and roads are most often unpaved.
Many of these slums are catchment areas for the more than 10 000 tons of solid waste produced daily
in Mexico City. Over one quarter of the garbage is dumped illegally and remains in the streets. The
poor find accommodations and things to sell from there. Besides being unaesthetic and causing
many health problems, it is a major pollutant of the city’s groundwater.
WATER RESOURCES
The demand for water in Mexico City is enormous with most being consumed for domestic use.
Most residents are served by a water connection or standard pipe. Those without service must
obtain water from water trucks supplied by the government or private vendors. It is estimated
that the total annual consumption is 2.4 billion metres3, about 364 liters per capita per day. The
city currently relies on groundwater sources for more than 80 percent of its supply. This exceeds
the natural recharge by 50 to 80 percent. As a result, the groundwater level is decreasing by one
metre per year causing structural damage to buildings, roads, railways and underground
pipelines.
The waste management of Mexico City has caused many conflicts with nearby regions. As a
richer city it uses all available water and gives back water with harmful substances. The State of
Mexico has reported that 23 percent of the wells do not meet the standard for coliform bacteria
and 11 percent do not meet the standard for inorganic constituents. Many irrigation areas outside
the city apply raw sewage channeled from the city to their fields. Although it is illegal for
farmers to use this water to irrigate their crops, the prohibition is not always respected nor
enforced. It is not uncommon to find vegetables highly contaminated posing a direct threat to
human health.
Mexico City has attempted to combat its water problems through education and improved
efficiency standards. One effort, for example, was to replace 350 000 toilets with 6 litre models
to conserve enough water to meet the needs of 250 000 residents.
AIR POLLUTION
Compared to other mega cities in developing countries, Mexico City is generally clean except
for its air pollution. The U.S. based World Resources Institute has named the city as the most
dangerous for children in the world. Any primary school teacher knows a disturbing fact of life:
children rarely use the color blue to paint the sky. Sadly, Mexico City’s air has gone from
among the world’s cleanest to one of the dirtiest in one generation; ahead of Beijing, Tehran, and
Calcutta. It is six times higher than the acceptable limit by The World Health Authority and it
reaches harmful levels more than half of the days each year. Levels of ozone, a pollutant that
protects us from solar radiation in the upper atmosphere but is dangerous to breathe, are twice as
high as the maximum allowed for one hour a year. This occurs several hours per day for every
day in Mexico City. The average visibility of seven miles in the 1940s is presently a mile. And,
snow–capped volcanoes that were once a part of the landscape are very seldom visible.
Respiratory diseases are rampant among children and the elderly.
Automobiles and industry are the main reasons for this air pollution. A World Resources
Institute study, funded by The World Health Organization, concluded that nitrogen dioxide,
sulfur dioxide and total suspended particulates (TSPs)- tiny particles of everything from dust to
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
heavy metals that get deep in lung tissue and cause damage are the major sources. While some
cities in China are dirtier in pollutants such as TSPs, Mexico City is the worst when combining
all three measures. Levels of these pollutants now regularly break international standards by two
or three times.
Mexico City is partly a victim of its physical geography. Sitting at the bottom of a bowl-shaped
valley winds are prevented from sweeping away fumes from the 3 million cars and 36 000 factories.
While places like Los Angeles in the developed world have almost double the number of cars, those
in Mexico City are on average 10 years old. Poor quality fuel and engines that run badly worsen the
problem. In addition, the air also contains the dried fecal remains from millions of gallons of sewage
dumped in open areas near the city and from some 3 million stray dogs. Mexico City is one of the
few places in the world where gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis and dysentery can be
inhaled.
Humberto Bravo, a scientist at the National Autonomous University in Mexico has stated that,
“Mexico City’s air pollution is a criminal act against the city’s population.” Some scientists
perceive the other population challenges of Mexico City in the same light. Yet people continue
to migrate there.
Do only ONE of the Units in Section D
Either:
Or:
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
Unit 6 - Population Distribution and Growth
Value
4
69.
“Mexico City should shut its doors to migrants.” With reference to the case study
and your geographical knowledge, suggest two reasons why this policy should or
should not be implemented. Support your answer.
World Geography 3202 June 2005
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70.
The government of Mexico City has decided to take measures to reduce
population growth. Give three reasons why you agree or disagree with this
action.
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World Geography 3202 June 2005
Unit 7 - Settlement and Urbanization
Value
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71.
With reference to the case study and your geographical knowledge, describe the
quality of life indicators in Mexico City.
Value
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72.
You are a peasant farmer living on the outskirts of Mexico City with the
opportunity to move into the city. Based on your personal quality of life preference
and supporting your response with three reasons, what would you decide to do?
World Geography 3202 June 2005
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